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VOICE ACTINGDo You Have The Skills And StaminaTo Voice Video Games? What To Know ...August 4, 2015

By Rick LanceVoice Actor

In the last decade or so, video game voice over
has grown into one of the biggest genres in the VO industry. Games have
evolved from single-player arcade games with basic graphics and sound
into multi-player story challenges with advanced sound and pictures.

Part of the sound in a modern video game comes from narration and
character conversations, which is where voice over actors come in.

If
you’re thinking about breaking into the ever-growing genre of video game
VO, here’s what you need to know.

PRODUCTION PACE

Video
game voice over doesn’t operate at the same pace as television or radio
VO. It’s much faster, and the scripts are notorious for being
challenging due to lack of prep time.

Oftentimes, actors don’t even see
the script until they’re reading for production, and depending on their
role, scripts may be between 4,000 and 5,000 words.

Cold readings are
tough enough, but with the quickened production pace, video game voice
over is no joke.

MULTIPLE ROLES

Actors
supplying the voices for video game characters are usually
responsible for multiple roles. This means that the talent has to be
ready to shift from one character to another quickly and seamlessly to
keep up with the production pace.

ACTION ACTING

Just
because it’s a video game, it doesn’t mean you’re off the hook in terms
of actual acting talent, either. Even if you’re just reading quick bits
of dialogue, like "He’s down!” or "Let’s get out of here!” you still
have to do so in a convincing manner.

Remember, video game players are
often heavily invested in the games they play, and they’re not going to
buy into a game where the voice actors aren’t lending sincerity to the
characters.

IT'S DEMANDING WORK

Overall,
video game voice acting is extremely demanding. Between the faster
pace and challenging scripts, it takes a true professional to master
this genre.

Additionally, there’s often not a lot of context for the
actors to work off of, especially if they’re switching characters and
reading for a variety of "levels” within the game.

Vocal stress is
another factor, as most actors are expected to deliver high decibel
performances for long periods of time.-------------------

ABOUT RICK

Rick Lance has been working as a voice talent since 1993,
transitioning from singing demos and personal projects in Nashville’s
music business to voicing hundreds of commercials, then promos,
narrations, character voices and more. His vocal style is described as
Americana, the voice of the Heartland. He
is currently the voice (narrator) of three hunting programs and one
outdoor program on the Sportsman Channel and the Outdoor Channel. His
client list includes Toyota, Harley Davidson, Sony Entertainment, Coca
Cola, Life Care Centers of America, John Deere, Jordan Outdoor
Enterprises and Sacred Seasons II.
He
has also become a leading voice for the industries of construction,
manufacturing, energy production, trucking, agriculture/equine, outdoor
sports, travel, community banking, finance and health care. And he is
a colorful voice for film, television, museum and corporate
documentaries. "I’m lucky to be working within my
comfort zone," he says, "literally living out my voice acting life as an
outdoorsman, horseman, weekend cowboy and working man, gentleman farmer
on my six acre mini ranch with my horses, dogs, cats and my wife near
Nashville.”

Some of these experiences I've had, others not. The pace and emoting levels are definitely a challenge! I remember having to re-do two lines of dialogue 2-3 times, to get the forcefulness required by the client. What I thought was over-the-top acting was actually just what they wanted. You go with the flow and deliver what they want! Nice article, Rick!

dc goode

8/4/2015 at 2:03 PM

Indeed Rick...no place for sissies.
:-)
Hope all is good with you!
dc

Rick Lance

8/4/2015 at 1:59 PM

Hello Nano,

In response to your question, here's what I can tell you.

First of all, it's good that you have a theatre background and I'll assume you are up to par with your voice acting skills, studio equipment, business skills, etc. You should understand that my entry into video game work did not come easy. This work may have been a bit more accessible if I were living near California's movie business. Since that's where most of this work was initially generated. I've gotten into it by way of auditioning through several agents that I have throughout the country and from audition websites that I work with. Sometimes through referrals. And the bulk of my voice acting work is NOT for gaming. My character voices are actually limited compared to many others who can perform a much broader range of characters. Maybe you fall into that category... good for you if you do.

So I'd say, find the auditions wherever you may and audition like crazy!!! There's only room for a few "celebrity" voices in these games and the more minor roles go to the lesser -knowns... you and I! Let your agents know you're interested in this work and get the word out in your promotional efforts... your website, postcards, emails, etc. And keep polishing your acting skills. The more you can do the more hirable you can become.

The good thing is that we all have greater access to all types of voice acting work via the Internet.
Take advantage of that and keep reaching out and researching on line. Good luck... be well!

Nano

8/4/2015 at 5:58 AM

Yes I can see all that and would still very much like to do video/computer games as my background is in theatre.
Tell me how do you get in to do them?